Thornback ray

D-Nagelrochen; GB-Thornback ray; DK-Sømrokke; PL-Raja nabijana; EST-Ogarai; RU-Морская лисица; FIN-Okarausku; S-Knaggrocka

Characters

1) snout not pointed (front body margin forms one line from wing tips to the snout).
2) one row of thorns on the body and tail.
3) remarkable pattern of light and dark crossbars on the tail.
●) more rows of thorns on the tail; each thorn has a smooth basis.
●) upper surface light brown with a vivid pattern (spots and eye-spots).
Often 80 to 90 cm length, max. 120 cm length.

Similar species

Starry skate - without bars on tail; thorns with furrowed basis.

Common skate - without bars on tail; snout pointed; only a single row of thorns limited to tail.

Shagreen ray - without bars on tail; one row of thorns on neck; two parallel rows of thorns on tail.

Biology

Mainly nocturnal, benthic, prefers sandy and soft grounds up to 700 m depth. Becomes sexually mature after 9 years. Each year 141 to 167 egg-cases can be laid.

Diet

Prefers crustaceans, but also feeds on other invertebrates and fish.

Importance

Of commercial use in North-western Europe, in the Mediterranean Sea and in the Black Sea.

Endangerment

Strong decline of stock due to slow reproduction rate and commercial use.